DUNFERMLINE Athletic have staved off the threat of liquidation after winning a court battle with former owner Gavin Masterton over their Pitreavie training ground.

The East End Park club faced the likelihood of being liquidated in the next few days had Masterton succeeded with his petition for an interdict over Pitreavie.

Masterton was unhappy that fan-led group Pars United, who are set to take control of the club, didn’t want to keep up the lease of the training base as they seek to reduce running costs. Masterton has a security on the lease worth £500,000 in the form of a pension fund.

The ex-Bank of Scotland managing director took Dunfermline's administrators BDO to court over the dispute and their lawyers said liquidation would follow should Masterton win his case.

But Lord Woolman refused his petition at the Court of Session this afternoon.

It clears the way for Pars United to complete their takeover of the crisis-hit club.

A statement released by the club shortly after the judge's decision today read: "Pars United are delighted with today's decision at the Court Of Session, and will now liaise with their professional advisers and hope to finally complete the purchase of Dunfermline Athletic Football Club and East End Park early next week."

Pars United agreed a CVA deal with creditors in July to take the club out of administration but recently revealed that Dunfermline needed a £150,000 cash injection to survive the season.

Jim Jefferies' side are currently second in Scottish League One behind leaders Rangers.